opera and concerts in london and beyond

17 August 2011

Oink if you like Mozart

Some people claim we humans are closely related to pigs. Speak for yourself I reply.

But it appears we do share some tastes. Playing classical music to pigs in abattoirs reduces stress, according to a research project carried out by masters student Philip Wrigglesworth at Moulton College, Northampton. The pigs played classical music showed less aggression and had lower blood levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) than pigs played white noise or no music. Then again, for those about to enter the bacon slicer, I guess any distraction is welcome.

Sadly it seems there are no videos of Mozart-digging porkers to be found. So here's one of their etymological relatives, a guinea pig, allegedly enjoying a classical break.